Reddit Experience · 2025 Q4

It's brutal out there - Another rejection

SWE Phone Screen New Grad Easy
46 upvotes 27 replies

Interview Experience

I recently applied to a ENTRY LEVEL job with a salary slightly above minimum wage. They were doing selection rounds and I made it to the first round wich were two tests of each 50 minutes! The first p

Full Details

I recently applied to a ENTRY LEVEL job with a salary slightly above minimum wage. They were doing selection rounds and I made it to the first round wich were two tests of each 50 minutes! The first part was an exam with questions about the company but also very complicated questions about very specific matters on insurance and payroll. (This was not an HR or payroll position) I luckily knew a lot because I have been doing free courses, hoping it would help me succeed in the job market. The second part was on a computer, some basic Excel tasks and also another very complicated matter on insurance and technical stuff. I think I did pretty good but I didn't expect to get a call back. Turns out I was right about that. They emailed me to let me know I wasn't qualified and they were actually really nice about it so at least I wasn't ghosted. I am so tired of putting in all of this time and effort and not even getting an interview! For an ENTRY LEVEL job in my field where I already have 5 years of experience. I never had to do an exam like this before. Maybe some tests here and there but never like this. I have been looking for a job on and off for 3 to 4 years now. (I have 2 jobs already so I just give up sometimes for long periods of time) All I want is to not have to work 2 jobs. I want one job with enough hours and salary. I had a crashout on Monday because I can't take the rejections anymore! My only other option is to go back to school but even then it's not guaranteed to be hired... I am still pretty young but I wish I had established at least something of a career at this point. Thanks for coming to my tedtalk.
Free preview — Unlock all questions →